This program is designed for experienced professionals seeking to
advance in their careers as senior business managers, consultants,
researchers, or faculty. Develop and apply research to address
practical issues in your area of business interest.
Outcome goals and graduates' proficiency levels
Each doctoral program and specialization is
designed around expected learning outcomes (see Expected Program
Outcomes below). End of program performance is determined during the
comprehensive exam and dissertation process. Because the work is
unique to each learner's dissertation or research topic and the
criteria for evaluation are aligned to that work, we do not collect
data on proficiency levels for doctoral programs.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) specializations
- General Management
- Organizational Leadership and Development
- Strategy and Innovation
Quality and Professional Relevance
- The Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP) has accredited Capella University business programs and specializations. Full accreditation statement including list of programs and specializations is available.
- All faculty members in the business doctoral programs have doctoral degrees.
Expected Program Outcomes
- Communicate effectively as scholar-practitioners for diverse audiences and purposes through digital, oral, and written formats.
- Integrate conceptual analysis with doctoral-level critical thinking to investigate complex business problems.
- Apply the use of qualitative and quantitative research techniques using theories, frameworks, and models to address complex business problems.
- Incorporate legal, ethical, responsible, and sustainable research and business practices into forward-looking management solutions to problems within communities of interest.
- Engage in reflective practice that demonstrates growth in personal and professional thought, behavior, and action by modeling personal accountability, decisiveness, and self-management.
- Demonstrate scholar-practitioner knowledge and expertise in both general and specialized ACBSP business domains grounded in current theory, research, and best practices.
- Lead and execute projects using structured research processes to discern strategic, evidence-based solutions that minimize risk and optimize effectiveness and results for business organizations.
Doctor of Business Administration Degree Graduates
Data from graduates of the Doctor of Business Administration have been combined for these Career Outcomes results.
The graphs below show some key findings from Capella's Alumni
Outcomes Survey. We use this information to help improve our courses,
programs and services and to give you an idea of how alumni are using
their degrees.
Career Preparation
Doctor of Business
Administration Graduates
Career Preparation
Doctor of
Business Administration Graduates
The skills and knowledge have been immediately applicable to my career: 90%
My degree has positioned me to achieve my professional ambitions: 70%
Capella's competency based curriculum has prepared me for the needs of my profession: 70%
Percentage of respondents who answered
"strongly agree" or "agree"
Source:
Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation.
The data were collected during Q3 2017 - Q1 2018.
Career & Professional
Accomplishments
Doctor of Business Administration Graduates
Career and Professional
Accomplishments
Doctor of Business Administration Graduates
Made a significant contribution to my profession: 44%
Successfully changed jobs and-or-careers: 39%
Assumed leadership responsibilities: 33%
Received a salary increase: 17%
Received a promotion: 33%
Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes, and Capella does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, or other career growth.
Percentage of respondents who indicated they had accomplished each item.
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2017 – Q1 2018.
Doctor of Business Administration Degree Graduates
Data from graduates of the Doctor of Business Administration have been combined for these Student Experience results.
The graphs below show some key findings from Capella's Alumni
Outcomes Survey. We use this information to help improve our courses,
programs and services and to give you an idea of how alumni feel about
Capella and what general skills and abilities they gained.
Satisfaction With Capella
Doctor
of Business Administration Graduates
Satisfaction with Capella
Doctor
of Business Administration Graduates
I have or intend to recommend Capella: 80%
I am satisfied with my Capella education: 92%
Capella gave me the most efficient direct path to completing my degree: 88%
Percentage of respondents who answered
affirmatively.
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes
Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3
2017 – Q1 2018.
Skills & Abilities
Doctor of
Business Administration Graduates
Skills & Abilities
Doctor of
Business Administration Graduates
Write clearly, accurately, and professionally; use sources appropriately: 100%
Communicate thoughts and ideas in varied settings : 100%
Show ethical conduct reflecting values and beliefs of discipline : 100%
Show knowledge of field; respect contributions of other fields : 100%
Analyze theoretical issues or investigate real-world phenomena, create knowledge : 90%
Locate, evaluate and communicate information; address legal, professional, other issues : 100%
Critically examine, analyze, and evaluate thinking using intellectual standards and creativity: 89%
Critically evaluate, select, and use discipline-appropriate technology : 89%
Show appreciation for group and individual differences : 100%
Demonstrate effective leadership in diverse environments : 100%
Apply the specialized knowledge associated with professional practice area : 100%
Percentage of respondents who rated
themselves as "proficient" or "exceptional" on
ability to demonstrate the skill or ability on the job.
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after
graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2017 – Q2 2018.
Earn Your Doctoral Degree

Become an expert in your field. Enroll in an online PhD, PsyD, or EdD program at Capella.
"Capella has taught me how to use my analytical abilities and actually search for my own voice, to gather data or information from various sources and then come up with my own best conclusions."
Bonnie Jones, PhD
2010 Graduate
School of Business and Technology
Specialization in Organization/Management